Phillies: Scott Kingery, Tommy Hunter on the mend from COVID

Phillies general manager Matt Klentak discloses six COVID-positive cases

Amid speculation surrounding the health and whereabouts of some players, Philadelphia Phillies general manager Matt Klentak spoke with reporters on Tuesday about how the pandemic is affecting the the team thus far in summer camp.

After receiving their permission, Klentak disclosed that the following three players and three coaches on the Phillies tested positive for COVID-19:

• Infielder Scott Kingery
• Reliever Tommy Hunter
• Outfielder Mikie Mahtook
• Bench coach Rob Thomson
• Bullpen coach Jim Gott
• Bullpen catcher Greg Brodzinski

None of the six are currently in camp. Thomson, Gott, and Brodzinski were part of the team’s recent outbreak at their Clearwater, Florida, complex, but had been asymptomatic and followed protocols. They are doing well.

Players on the Mend

While Kingery and Hunter have yet to report to camp, Klentak said both are feeling good and are in the process of re-testing. Mahtook, a non-roster invitee veteran also in the team’s player pool, meanwhile, tested positive during his intake screening last week. He, too, is feeling good and is waiting to be cleared.

Kingery recently described his battle with the virus to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury:

"“It really does spring on you fast,” he said. “Even if you don’t think you’re in a position to be exposed. It comes on very fast. It can creep up on you and get you pretty bad like it did with me.”"

Neris and Haseley back in camp

Klentak confirmed that both closer Hector Neris and outfielder Adam Haseley are with the team, after being absent due to COVID-19 protocols.

Neris is reportedly “feeling great and ready to go,” according to Klentak.

Haseley’s reporting delay was a due to a lab error.

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Still no word on southpaw Ranger Suarez nor non-roster invitee catcher Christian Bethancourt on their absences.

Liriano to report … again

Non-roster invitee left-handed pitcher Francisco Liriano reported to camp last week, but since left to evaluate whether he wants to play in the coming season, according to Klentak. He has been out of camp the past two days.

Liriano would be the first Phillies player to opt out if he chooses, but, that reportedly will not be the case after all. According to Robert Murphy, the southpaw will report once again to Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday.

Starting pitcher Zack Wheeler, on the other hand, is reportedly mulling to opt out once he becomes a father later this month. Manager Joe Girardi says he fully supports whatever the right-hander decides.